City of Boston, Sasaki Undertake Universal Accessibility Renovation in BCHP

The City of Boston and design firm Sasaki have started a renovation of the Boston City Hall Plaza that will result in universal accessibility by those who navigate by wheels as well as feet. An array of seating types will ensure that not only can everyone access but also fully experience it the spaces.

BCHP Accessibility Renovation Objectives

• Renovate the property for universal accessibility to ensure that main thoroughfares through the plaza and the building’s entrances and egresses are accessible to those traveling by wheelchair or pushing strollers

• Renovate Hanover Walk to create fully accessible public pedestrian promenade that connects Congress Street to Cambridge Street
o Replace stairs with a sloped walk from Congress Street to the main plaza, allowing 26 vertical feet to be navigated accessibly

• Renovate primary building entrances for full accessiblity (including main entrance and newly reopened North Entrance for direct 2nd floor access)

• Renovate companion seating in performance areas with an array of seating types to suit diverse user needs and preferences
o Achieve inclusion as well as accessibility so that people with disabilities are both able to get through a space and to experience it alongside and equally to those without disabilities
o Install 13 companion seating sites throughout plaza

• Renovate Civic Pavilion to create a publicly accessible indoor community space that overlooks Hanover Street

• Utilize accessible materials
o Install bricks that are closely jointed, stabilized by edge restraints, and treated against chipping to ensure a smooth and even surface for mobility aids

• Install a 12,000-square-foot accessible destination playscape to draw people of all ages, and kids especially, to play just steps from City Hall’s newly reopened North entrance.
o Install modes of play for children of varying ages and diverse abilities to enjoy such as active, sensory and water play.